Irish Universities Association Statement: Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Campuses for All

As we begin the new academic year in Ireland, we want to extend the warmest welcome to all our students and staff who are coming to our Universities for the first time or returning to Ireland. We are proud that our Universities are places of shared learning, research, knowledge generation and idea exchange. Together, we thrive and are continuously enriched by diversity in culture, perspective and background. As global universities, we highly value the students and researchers who come to us from all over the world, enhancing our academic community and contributing to national prosperity. We are strongly committed to our campuses as places of solidarity and safety for all as evidenced by our collective commitment to the Anti Racism Principles for Irish Higher Education Institutions. 

 The Irish Universities Association (IUA) wishes to unequivocally condemn the recent racially motivated attacks, including violent assaults and harassment targeting members of the Indian community in Ireland. These acts are abhorrent, and not aligned to the values of inclusion, respect, and safety that our university sector and Irish society stand for.  A range of supports, including peer supports, counselling and welfare services, and Employee Assistance Programmes are in place for all our students and staff however they may be affected.

The recent attacks have been condemned at the highest level by the Irish government including the Minister for Justice, who has confirmed stricter hate crime legislation will be applied to perpetrators.

 We stand together in solidarity with all those targeted by hate, reaffirming our commitment to a multi-cultural and inclusive Ireland.

Students and staff of our Universities are cherished members of our community, and we wholeheartedly support them to flourish academically and professionally in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all.

25.08.25